Dodger Thoughts

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By Jon Weisman

Mitch Hansen, a 6-foot-4 left-handed outfielder from Plano Senior High in Texas, is the Dodgers’ second-round pick (67th overall) in the 2015 MLB draft.

Here’s what MLB.com says about him:

One of the more well-rounded position players in the 2015 Draft class, Hansen has solid tools across the board. Evaluators who like him think several of those could develop into plusses, though he’ll have to get picked early to deter him from his Stanford commitment. Hansen has a fluid, compact left-handed swing and a good feel for hitting. He uses the entire field, has performed well against quality pitching on the showcase circuit and with the U.S. 18-and-under national team, and is growing into some power. He’s not especially quick out of the batter’s box but flashes plus speed at times once he gets going. Hansen has enough speed and arm strength to play all three outfield positions, though he profiles best in right field. Scouts have compared him to Michael Saunders and Mets prospect Brandon Nimmo, a high school first-rounder in 2011.

And Baseball America …

In 1991, the Blue Jays were enamored enough with a tall, sweet-swinging and academically-inclined lefthanded-hitting outfielder to pick him sixth overall, which was enough to induce him to forgo his scholarship to Stanford. Both Shawn Green and the Blue Jays made a wise decision as Green went on to play nearly 2,000 MLB games. He’s unlikely to go in the top six picks, but Hansen, a tall, sweet-swinging and academically-inclined lefthanded-hitting outfielder with a Stanford commitment will face a similar decision. Hansen has been a two-sport star at Plano playing quaterback/wide receiver and outfield and his sister just set an Ivy League record in winning the women’s heptathlon. Hansen has an ideal corner outfielder’s frame as he should add significant good weight to his 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame. He plays center field for now and shows good reads and routes, but will likely grow to a corner spot as he gets bigger and slows down. He’s currently an above-average runner who turns in plus times at his best. His arm is below-average. His swing can get long at times, but it’s a smooth stroke with some lift and leverage that could eventually produce above-average power. Signability is a question if he falls far in the draft.

I'm a Dodger Baby!!! Glory to God

— Mitchell Hansen (@MHansen_16) June 9, 2015